Kneel before the new General Zod: Michael Shannon cast as villain in Superman redux

Fans of the '80s franchise of Superman may have little faith in the other casting decisions in Christopher Nolan's upcoming retelling of the "Man of Steel," but they got one role right: Michael Shannon will play the part of General Zod, the evil Kryptonian banished into deep space by Superman's father.

Terrance Stamp played Zod in the first two Superman movies, starring Christopher Reeve, and was god-like, thus earning him a spot on everyone's Top Movie Villains of All Time lists.

"Zod is not only one of Superman's most formidable enemies, but one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don't," director Zack Snyder said in a statement, according to the New York Daily News. (Yeah, whatever. I was no comic book nerd in the '80s. I was too busy playing with Star Wars action figures. Ahem.)

These days, Shannon is probably best know for the cable series Boardwalk Empire. I liked him better as Lynard in 2006's Let's Go To Prison. Look for him at the two-minute mark...

About this blog

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times correspondent Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to big hair.